City Point: North Richland Hills’ Ambitious Mixed-Use Transformation Rises from Former Mall Site

A new chapter has begun in North Richland Hills with the groundbreaking of City Point, a sprawling 52-acre mixed-use development by Centurion American Development Group. Located on the historic grounds where the North Hills Mall once stood, this transformative project is poised to redefine urban living and commercial engagement in the heart of Tarrant County. The comprehensive vision for City Point includes 366 meticulously designed single-family homes, a dynamic range of 400 to 600 new apartment units, and an impressive 60,000 square feet dedicated to vibrant restaurant and retail spaces. This endeavor marks a significant leap forward for North Richland Hills, promising a modern, integrated community where residents can live, work, and thrive.

From Retail Giant to Urban Canvas: The Legacy of North Hills Mall

For nearly four decades, the North Hills Mall was a cornerstone of commerce and community life in North Richland Hills. Opening its doors in 1979, it quickly established itself as a premier retail destination, boasting anchor stores like Foley’s and Sanger-Harris, a captivating children’s museum, an inviting patio-style indoor food court, and a state-of-the-art theater. The mall’s origins were rooted deep in local history, having been developed on a portion of a vast 2,100-acre farm originally owned by Marsh and Catherine Calloway.

However, the tides of retail began to shift. The resurgence and modernization of the nearby North East Mall, conveniently located just across the freeway in Hurst, coupled with challenges faced by the surrounding Citywalk at Calloway Creek development, ultimately led to the decline and closure of North Hills Mall in 2004. The grand structure that once hummed with activity was eventually razed in 2007, leaving a significant void and a prime piece of real estate ripe for reimagination.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, North Richland Hills Mayor Oscar Trevino shared his perspective at the recent groundbreaking ceremony. “When the mall closed in ’04, of course, there was the tremendous disappointment of losing a mall, and it had some financial impact on the city’s budget,” Mayor Trevino acknowledged. Yet, with the benefit of hindsight and understanding the seismic shifts in the retail landscape, he added, “But looking at what malls are going through today, in hindsight, maybe we were ready for the pandemic, financially.” This forward-thinking statement underscores the city’s resilience and its strategic planning for future economic stability.

A Prime Location: North Richland Hills’ Enduring Appeal

The site of the former mall has always been recognized as an area brimming with untapped potential within North Richland Hills. Its strategic location is unparalleled, nestled near the critical “mixmaster” interchange that seamlessly connects Northeast Loop 820 and Texas 121/183, in close proximity to Texas 26. This confluence of major roadways provides exceptional connectivity. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, a major economic engine for the region, is a mere 15-minute drive to the east via Texas 183. Furthermore, the vibrant cultural and business hub of Downtown Fort Worth is just minutes away to the south. This superb accessibility positions City Point not just as a local amenity but as a regional magnet for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Mayor Trevino reiterated the community’s excitement, stating at the development’s groundbreaking, “We’re excited to celebrate the next chapter in the life of this property.” This sentiment reflects years of planning and dedication to bring a truly transformative project to fruition on such a historically significant site.

Crafting a Diverse Community: Residential and Commercial Excellence

The City Point development is a testament to thoughtful urban planning, bringing together an esteemed consortium of builders to create a diverse residential tapestry. Gunter-based New Synergy Homes will be crafting the charming bungalows and modern urban homes, offering a blend of contemporary design and comfort. Plano-based CB Jeni is set to construct stylish townhomes, catering to those seeking a low-maintenance yet vibrant lifestyle. Complementing these, Cleveland-based NRP Group will develop the multi-family residences, ensuring a broad spectrum of housing options to meet the needs of a growing community.

Beyond its residential offerings, City Point is designed as a holistic community. Residents will enjoy an array of integrated amenities, including a state-of-the-art amenity center that will serve as a social hub. An extensive network of trails will encourage outdoor activity and connectivity, while ample open green spaces will provide serene retreats and areas for recreation. The commercial component is meticulously curated to enhance daily life, with a primary focus on attracting diverse restaurants and engaging retail shops that will cater to both residents and visitors, fostering a true live-work-play environment.

A Vision Realized: The City’s Long-Term Commitment

The development of this pivotal site has been a long-standing aspiration for North Richland Hills’ civic leaders. Their strategic foresight began to take tangible form as early as 2012, when a citizen bond committee put forth a recommendation to relocate the North Richland Hills City Hall to a portion of the old mall site. This bold move was envisioned as a catalyst, a beacon to spur further economic development in the surrounding area. Voters overwhelmingly approved the plan, and the new city hall proudly opened its doors in 2016. Following this, the land encompassing and surrounding the city hall was strategically rezoned into a Planned Development Zoning District, paving the way for a comprehensive, master-planned mixed-use community. It was at this crucial juncture that Centurion American Development Group acquired the site, sharing the city’s ambitious vision for revitalization.

The recent groundbreaking ceremony, meticulously adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols, was a landmark event. It brought together key figures instrumental to the project’s success, including Mayor Trevino, esteemed North Richland Hills city council members, and Centurion American CEO Mehrdad Moayedi, symbolizing the strong partnership driving this monumental undertaking.

For Centurion American CEO Mehrdad Moayedi, the City Point project holds a particularly personal significance. Having grown up in nearby Bedford and maintaining close ties with friends in this part of Tarrant County, the development represents a homecoming. “For me, this is somewhat of a homecoming. I grew up down the street,” Moayedi shared at the groundbreaking, underscoring his deep connection to the area and his commitment to its future.

Economic Engine and Community Hub: The Impact of City Point

The $200 million City Point project is much more than just a real estate development; it is a powerful economic engine for North Richland Hills. Craig Hulse, the city’s economic development director, anticipates that this transformative undertaking will serve as a magnet, attracting a substantial influx of new residents and businesses. As Tarrant County’s third-largest city, boasting over 70,000 residents and more than 1,200 businesses, North Richland Hills is well-positioned for this growth.

Sean Terry, Centurion’s chief operating officer, highlighted the mutual benefits of the project. “It brings a good tax base to their city,” Terry stated, emphasizing the direct financial advantages for North Richland Hills. Beyond the fiscal impact, he added, “I think [city leaders] feel good about having a place where city employees can walk over to eat in a restaurant and live on site.” This vision of a walkable, integrated community where work and leisure seamlessly intertwine is central to City Point’s appeal, fostering a higher quality of life for all.

Centurion American: Masters of Master-Planned Redevelopment

The city’s selection of Centurion American Development Group was a deliberate choice, recognizing the developer’s exceptional track record and quality portfolio. Centurion American stands as a recognized leader in creating innovative, master-planned communities, having successfully developed over 120 such projects across the region. Their impressive roster includes acclaimed developments like Collin Creek in Plano, The Riverwalk at Central Park in Flower Mound, Entrade in Westlake, Mercer Crossing in Farmer’s Branch, and Founders Parc in Euless.

Sean Terry notes that while every development possesses its unique character, the City Point project in North Richland Hills is envisioned to bear a strong resemblance to the successful The Riverwalk at Central Park in Flower Mound. This comparison speaks to the high standard of design, amenity integration, and community focus that residents can expect from City Point.

Centurion American’s expertise extends specifically to the complex realm of mall redevelopment. The company is currently engaged in the significant undertaking of reshaping the former Collin Creek Mall in Plano, transforming another outdated retail giant into a modern mixed-use destination. This specialized experience is invaluable for the City Point project. Furthermore, drawing parallels with The Riverwalk, which benefits from a nearby medical center, City Point will likewise leverage its proximity to Medical City North Hills, a comprehensive 176-bed hospital, further complemented by three additional professional office buildings. This integration of medical facilities underscores the developer’s holistic approach to creating self-sufficient, amenity-rich communities.

Terry articulates Centurion’s philosophy, stating, “What we’re doing is kind of the staple on mixed-used developments and how to redefine malls.” He also recognizes the evolving landscape influenced by recent global events. As the pandemic continues to reshape how people live, work, and shop, Terry suggests, “we may look at doing this more,” indicating a broader trend towards such integrated, resilient community models.

The Future Unfolds: A Model for Urban Revitalization

The groundwork for City Point’s future is already well underway. Essential infrastructure, including new streets, sidewalks, modern street lighting, robust water lines, efficient sewer lines, and crucial drainage improvements, has begun to take shape. This foundational work is critical to supporting the vibrant community that will emerge. The entire City Point project is an ambitious undertaking, with full completion anticipated over a seven-year timeline. This phased development ensures meticulous planning and execution, ultimately delivering a premier mixed-use destination that will serve as a beacon of progress and a model for urban revitalization in the DFW Metroplex for decades to come.